NINETIES kids say a big “YES” to Mr. Big at the Araneta Coliseum this May 10.
Mr. Big is a sentimental favorite for many rock lovers who had their music epiphanies in the ’90s. This Grammy-nominated ensemble has been churning out hits since 1988 with tracks like “Just Take My Heart,” “To Be With You,” “Wild World,” “Addicted to that Rush,” “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,” “Nothing But Love,” “Take Cover” and “Promise Her the Moon.”
Die-hard Pinoy fans will be pleased to know that they’ll be breathing the same air as Eric Martin (vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums) that evening.
After two decades in the industry. Mr. Big lives on with a solid fan base all over the world: In fact, the band parted ways in 2002, but by popular demand, Mr. Big reunited in 2009 for the love of their devoted followers. The band released “What If…,” their first album in 10 years, in January 2011.
Here’s what these local rock stalwarts have to say about Mr. Big’s highly anticipated Manila show, growing up listening to their albums, and, even getting the girls with their music.
Gabby Alipe, vocalist, Urbandub:
“It was in high school that I could say I started shaping myself to be a musician. Mr. Big and their music was a big part of those formative years. I remember buying instructional videos of Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan to help me with my guitar playing. A lot of tricks I learned from them, I still use today.”
Marc Abaya, vocalist, Kjwan:
“I grew up in the ’90s and I was heavily into Guns N’ Roses and Metallica; this was before Mr. Big entered the scene. Their sensibility was more ‘pop’ than the kind of music I was used to—their songs were more acoustic but all the girls all loved it! I would play ‘To Be With You’—it was always a sure hit!”
Tutti Caringal, vocalist, 6cyclemind:
“My favorite Mr. Big song has always been ‘Green-Tinted Sixties Mind’! Unfortunately, I could not play as good as Paul Gilbert so my Mr. Big staple for gigs was ‘To Be With You.’ I discovered their music in Grade 7. I love the pop-rock feel of their songs.”
Nicole Asensio, vocalist, General Luna:
“I love Mr. Big because they have both the musical prowess to be technically great but also have simple and catchy songwriting to have mass appeal and recall. I can’t wait to hear ‘Take Cover’! It’ll be my first time to meet them—I especially want to meet Billy Sheehan!”
Caren Mangaran, lead guitarist, General Luna:
“I love them because every lyric of theirs inspires me and the band itself is really great! ‘Green-Tinted Sixties Mind,’ ‘Stay Together,’ ‘Nothing But Love,’ and ‘Take Cover’ are my faves, actually. I want to meet all of them—Paul Gilbert, Eric Martin, then Billy Sheehan for the third time and Pat Torpey for the second time!”
Franz Morales, musician:
“Mr. Big never fails to bring me back to the carefree days of my youth. Growing up, ‘To Be With You’ was one of the first songs I learned on guitar. Their music was a happy respite from all the angst-ridden grunge of that time. Theirs was the antidepressant answer to Layne, Kurt and Eddie’s enervating refrains.”
Pulp Live World presents Mr. Big Live In Manila! Gorgeous rockers General Luna are set to open for the show. Tickets are P3,500/P2,500/P1,500/P750, available at all Ticketnet outlets. Ticketing charges apply.
